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How to Talk to Your Loved Ones About Your Final Wishes

By: Ian Elliott

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

It’s difficult to discuss your final wishes with a loved one because death is such a sensitive topic. It can cause a lot of pain and grief to people left behind, which is why most hesitate to bring up the topic with their friends or family. At Arbutus Funeral Service, we recommend the tips mentioned below to help make this conversation easier for everyone involved:

1. It is Your Choice

While involving family in the planning process or explaining your final wishes them to is advisable, there’s no need to force yourself to do it. Some people are more comfortable planning without assistance and would rather not deal with the family’s opinions or pain during this process. You can contact a funeral home for pre-planning and explain final wishes to them directly.

2. Arrange a Private Meeting

It’s a good idea to arrange a private meeting with all individuals involved to tell them at once. This means they can support each other in their grief and remain rational. It’s a good idea to pick a comfortable space with some food and drinks available. This will help create a soothing atmosphere for your conversation.

3. Be Prepared for Some Conflict

One of the most difficult aspects of talking about final wishes is dealing with heightened emotions. Most people aren’t rational or calm during such conversations, which can cause problems in communication. It’s important to be patient, attentive, but firm. Sometimes families have great suggestions while at others they can browbeat you into following their wishes. Keep your preferences in mind while listening to their recommendations.

Have any questions about cremation and related funeral services? Just contact us or give us a call (604) 888-9895. We at Arbutus Funeral Service will be happy to help.